Kurtis Guthrie is hoping to be the spark in the new look Accrington Stanley side.

Boss John Coleman snapped up the Jersey-born striker after he impressed in two pre-season friendlies, especially scoring against Premier League side Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Scoring against ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was beyond his wildest dreams a month ago when the 18-year-old was peeling potatoes in Jersey and was waiting to start work as a trainee electrician.

"A month ago I was chopping spuds in a kitchen, three weeks ago I was just starting out as an apprentice electrician and now I’m a professional footballer," he said after earning a one-year contract with the Reds.

He scored twice against Radcliffe in his first Reds’ start but he admitted his headed goal in the 2-1 loss to Premier league Rovers was the pinnacle of his short career.

"I couldn’t believe my second game was against Blackburn Rovers," he said.

"When I scored, I couldn’t believe it. I scored against Paul Robinson who is an international keeper.

"I’m happy with three goals in two games, I’ve been able to adapt quite quickly.

"It’s surreal to be here to be honest; the last week-and-a-half has probably been the best week-and-a-half of my life."

Guthrie was initially sent over for a trial with Stanley by a contact of Reds’ boss John Coleman. The trial came as a complete shock to Guthrie who has been playing local football in Jersey.

He was turning out for Trinity in the Jersey Premiership and the striker has also represented Jersey in three different age groups facing Guernsey in the annual Muratti game.

Guthrie has always dreamed of a career in football but never believed it would happen to him and is keen to learn from former strikers Coleman and Jimmy Bell.

"I never really thought I’d get the chance to take football up as a career," he admitted.

"I always dreamed about it but never thought it would really happen.

"Now that I’ve been given the opportunity I’m going to take it as well as I can.

"I think that John and Jimmy can bring me on leaps and bounds. I can’t wait to learn more from them and keep improving."

Coleman has been in the hunt for a striker after losing Terry Gornell, Sean McConville and Jimmy Ryan who contributed 36 goals between them last season.

In previous seasons Coleman has established a reputation for finding quality players from non league teams, notably Gary Roberts.

The manager is optimistic about his latest find and has tipped Guthrie for a bright future.

"He’s a good footballer, a young lad who’s still learning but he’s certainly one for the future," Coleman said.

With the disappointment of the play-off defeat to Stevenage hanging over the Crown Ground, Stanley will be hoping to go one better this season. Guthrie believes he has what it takes to help Stanley succeed: "Last year it seemed Accrington just didn’t get enough goals and hopefully I can come and change that.

"I’ve scored three in my two appearances and I want to keep improving on my ratio and score in every game."

The teenager will be hoping to emulate the success of past strikers from the Channel Islands, most notably Matt Le Tissier and Brett Pitman.

Sporting talent also seems to be a trait of the Guthrie family. Serena, Kurtis’sister, is a successful netball player who has represented England on a number of occasions.